December 2018 security patch now rolling out for Pixel devices

Google is rolling out the last batch of security updates for 2018. Officially announced on December 3, the latest security patch delivers general security patches for some remote and local flaws affecting all Android devices, and also includes a number of updates and fixes specifically targeting Pixel devices.

Google said it would address RAM management issues on the Pixel 3 back in early November, and the fix has arrived with the December security update. The update is said to improve memory performance in certain circumstances, which pertains to issues reported by Pixel 3 users of the phone mismanaging memory for the sake of saving battery power in weird ways, such as randomly killing a music app left running in the background because you launched the camera.

Other fixes affecting Pixel devices include updates from both HTC and Qualcomm for low-level device drivers and bootloaders. Updated Pixel devices will also get camera improvements and improved Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth patches, and improved notifications when using the Pixel Stand.

Both the factory images and OTA files are live right now, meaning you can already flash the patch to your phone if you don't feel like waiting for the over-the-air update to hit your phone.